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The Abia State Government has disclosed that it is at an advanced stage of plans to establish a Special Sports Economic Zone aimed at creating jobs for unemployed youths and boosting the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this known in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.
Kanu explained that the proposed project is designed to drive sports merchandising, stimulate youth employment and enhance internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state.
According to him, the initiative will unlock the creative potential of local artisans involved in fashion, leather works, sportswear and footwear production across Abia.
He added that the zone would serve as a major sports merchandising hub not only for Abia but also for Nigeria and the wider African market.
“The project, when fully operational, will yield substantial revenue for the state through taxes payable by participating partners, while also creating jobs for the teeming unemployed Abia youths,” Kanu said.
He noted that the initiative is being executed through a partnership between Sports Nigeria and the Abia State Government, with a formal proposal already signed to drive implementation.
Kanu further stated that ongoing investments in youth and sports development by the government were beginning to yield tangible results.
He cited Abia’s recent performance at the maiden South-East Open Dance Competition, where the state emerged overall winner, as well as its victory in the inaugural Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club.
The commissioner also highlighted efforts to strengthen human capacity development in the sports sector through collaboration with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He said the institution had commenced a National Diploma (ND) programme in sports management to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge for careers in the industry.
“The programme will prepare graduates with relevant skills in sports management and enable them to live productive lives beyond active participation in sports,” he said.
Kanu added that the first batch of students admitted into the programme had already matriculated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said Abia possesses a strong base of skilled artisans known for producing quality leather products and footwear for local and international markets.
He stated that the proposed economic zone would harness this capacity for the production of football trainers, gym equipment and other sports merchandise for export across Africa.
Ananaba added that the sports management programme would also provide long-term career opportunities for athletes and professionals in fields such as sports therapy, sports psychology and related disciplines.
